We've compiled a list of some of the words and terms you may see when you're dealing with a bereavement. Don't forget, if there are things you're having trouble understanding, our trained bereavement specialists are at the end of the phone to help. You can call then on 0800 028 4112.
Beneficiary: a person who inherits part or all of the estate.
Certified copy: acopy of the original document that has been signed and verified by a solicitor.
Certificate of confirmation: a document giving the authority to administer an estate in Scotland.
Customer representative: generic term for someone who is administering the estate.
Death certificate: the legal document issued by the registry office after a death has been registered.
Estate: all assets belonging to the deceased.
Executor: a person appointed by a will to administer the estate.
Funeral invoice: the bill to pay the funeral director. We need this to be able to release funds from the deceased's accounts to pay for the funeral.
Grant of letters of administration: a document giving the authority to administer an estate where there is no will.
Grant of probate: a document giving the authority to administer an estate in accordance with the will.
Grant of representation: a collective term for both the grant of probate and the grant of letters of administration.
Inheritance tax: a tax paid to HMRC on the estate of the deceased.
Intestacy rules: the rules dictating how the deceased's estate is to be share when there is no will.